The victory at Stade des Alpes in Grenoble meant Vadao’s side maintained their perfect record in World Cup openers. The team had snapped a run of nine straight defeats in the lead-up to the tournament since a 2-1 win over Japan, last July.
Cristiane started in place of fellow forward, Marta, who was ruled out of the game with a thigh problem. She gave Brazil the lead in the 15th minute by meeting Barcelona midfielder, Andressa’s cross from the left with a header past Jamaica’s goalkeeper, Sydney Schneider.
The South Americans continued to create chances and could have doubled their lead after earning a penalty for handball by Jamaica defender, Allyson Swaby, but Schneider saved Andressa’s tame effort on goal seven minutes before the break.
Cristiane tucked in her second goal from a tight angle following the restart as Andressa provided the assist again. The 34-year-old completed her hat-trick with a powerful free-kick that rattled the underside of the crossbar and landed in.
Brazil, who are aiming to surpass their best-ever finish in 2007 when they were beaten by Germany in the title clash, take on Australia in Montpellier in their next Group C contest on Thursday. Jamaica will play against Italy in Reims on Friday. NAN
Pix: Brazillian Women on rampage
